Special Needs Organization Awarded Grant For Mentors

In the company of other local charities and non-profits, Snappin' Ministries Inc, an organization supporting parents raising children with special needs, was awarded a $5,000 grant by the Oconomowoc Area Foundation at its Annual Celebration, Friday, October 11, 2013. Founded through a 1989 bequest by Hilbert Scherffius, the Foundation's key priorities include caring for children, developing youth, helping those in need, preserving the environment and enriching the community economically and culturally. After enjoying a celebratory dinner at the Golden Mast Inn, attendees were treated to the energetic humor of John McGivern, who also assisted in announcing this years grant recipients.

Snappin' Ministries will use the grant money to fund a local training of parents with children who have special needs to be mentors to other parents walking a similar journey. The funds will provide marketing of the program, books and printed materials, as well as other safeguards for the initiative.

"Our hope is to establish a solid core of mentor parents who will be able to help us take this opportunity nationwide," said Barbara Dittrich, Executive Director of Snappin' Ministries. "There is such a need for this type of relevant, hope-giving, mutual encouragement. It would be wonderful to have the Oconomowoc Area known as a place with matchless support for parents raising children with unique abilities."

Parents wishing to participate in this initiative may contact Snappin' via e-mail at barb(at)snappin(dot)org. Flyers with additional information for both mentors and mentorees are available along with an application to participate. Boasted as the nations only 12 week, faith-based mentor education, the organization prides itself on thorough training and safeguards for participants.

Snappin' Ministries, headquartered in Oconomowoc, WI, provides parents with support nationally through this one-of-a-kind parent mentor program, TLC baskets and gift cards for hospitalizations, and multiple web-based resources. Local alternating quarterly free respite, fun accessible family events, and restaurant dine-outs are also available in Southeastern Wisconsin. For more information, visit SNAPPIN's website at http://www.snappin.org.